Ativan Addiction And Abuse
Ativan is a fast-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. Taking Ativan for extended periods of time can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Author Kristen Fuller, MD
What Is Ativan?
Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam, a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, and alcohol detoxification.
Ativan is classified as an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine and is rarely prescribed for longer than 4 months at a time due to its high addictive potential. It is commonly abused for its euphoric and sedative effects. Slang terms or street names for Ativan include:
- Goofballs
- Heavenly blues
- Stupefy
Ativan belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, or “benzos.” These drugs bind to the GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) receptors in the brain to enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA neurotransmission, inducing calming, sedative, and anti-anxiety effects.
When used as prescribed, Ativan is usually consumed orally and takes effect in approximately 30-60 minutes. Ativan can be administered intravenously by healthcare professionals in medical settings for immediate effects for sedation and the management of seizures.
How Addictive Is Ativan?
Benzodiazepines are known to have high addiction potential, and because Ativan is a type of benzodiazepine, it is classified as very addictive. Studies on benzodiazepines show that approximately 2% of people who use benzodiazepines develop an addiction, and approximately 17-18% of people who use benzodiazepines in a given year also misuse them.
Ativan Tolerance And Dependence
Tolerance and dependence are two key symptoms of addiction, and studies have shown that a dependency on Ativan occurs in as little as 2-4 weeks after using Ativan, and tolerance can occur in as little as a few days up to a week of using Ativan, even when taken as prescribed.
If a person is prescribed Ativan, over a few days to a week, they may notice that they need more Ativan to achieve the same desired effects. This is because their body has become used to the current dosage and will need a higher amount to take full effect, known as tolerance. A person can develop a tolerance without having an addiction to Ativan, but tolerance is a sign of addiction.
Dependency occurs when the body and brain become so used to Ativan that it needs it to function normally, and the person will experience withdrawal symptoms without Ativan. Dependence is a symptom of addiction, but a person can develop a dependency on Ativan without having an addiction.
Addiction occurs when a person compulsively seeks and uses Ativan, regardless of the harmful side effects it is causing.
How Does An Addiction To Ativan Develop?
An addiction to Ativan develops over a period of use when a person continues to use Ativan to the point they have developed both a tolerance and dependence. When dependence is present, the person will continue to use Ativan in an effort to prevent uncomfortable withdrawal side effects. Therefore, preventing Ativan withdrawal often becomes the primary driving force for continued Ativan use.
Over time, the reward system in the brain becomes hijacked, and the brain views Ativan as the ultimate reward, releasing surges of dopamine, which leads to urges, cravings, and compulsive behaviors to continue Ativan use. Natural rewards such as exercise and food no longer produce enough dopamine for the body to feel the euphoric rewards because the brain and body have become so used to the high surges of dopamine from Ativan.
As a result, the person will go to extreme lengths to continue to use Ativan, despite harmful consequences such as risky behaviors and neglecting essential responsibilities. At this stage, the person has developed an Ativan addiction and will need comprehensive treatment to not only ease withdrawal but also rewrite the brain’s reward system back to a healthy state.
How Is Ativan Abused?
Because Ativan is legal to use with a prescription, some people may not realize they’re abusing the drug. Signs of Ativan abuse include:
- Taking larger amounts of Ativan than prescribed
- Taking Ativan more often than prescribed
- Taking Ativan for longer than prescribed
- Using Ativan without a prescription or using someone else’s prescription to achieve a high
Taking Ativan in combination with other drugs is also a form of abuse and is very dangerous, as it increases the risk of overdose. In some cases, mixing drugs can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death.
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Effects Of Ativan
Ativan is a sedative-hypnotic and acts on the GABA inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain to slow down the body. When used as directed for short-term treatment, the primary effects of Ativan include reduced anxiety and a calming sensation.
Other common effects of Ativan include:
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
- Poor motor coordination and balance
- Confusion
- Amnesia
Signs Of Dependence And Addiction To Ativan
Dependence on Ativan can occur in as little as 2-4 weeks, and the telltale sign of dependence is Ativan withdrawal. Signs of Ativan withdrawal include:
- Headache
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Seizures
Signs of Ativan addiction include:
- Urges and cravings
- Doctor shopping
- Dependency marked by withdrawal symptoms
- Tolerance
- Change in sleep patterns
- Social isolation and withdrawal
- Lying about Ativan use
- Excessive sleeping
- Poor decision making and negative consequences, such as legal troubles, a decline in work or academic performance
How Long Can You Take Ativan Without Becoming Addicted?
While a precise timeline depends on many individual factors, tolerance can develop in as little as a few days, and dependence can develop in 2-4 weeks. Therefore, it is possible that addiction to Ativan can develop in a few weeks to a few months. If taken as prescribed in low doses, it is possible to take Ativan for a short term without developing an addiction.
Addiction is more likely to occur when someone begins to misuse or abuse Ativan or takes Ativan for long-term durations.
Can You Overdose On Ativan?
It is very rare to overdose on benzodiazepines alone. However, Ativan overdose can occur when it is taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, such as opioids.
Signs of an Ativan overdose can include:
- Mental confusion
- Slurred speech
- Lack of energy
- Loss of control of body movements
- Muscle weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Slow breathing
- Passing out
- Coma
Severe cases of Ativan overdose, especially when the drug was used in combination with other drugs, can be fatal.
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How Is Ativan Addiction Treated?
Ativan addiction is treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy techniques. Ativan withdrawals can be dangerous and result in lethal seizures, so detoxification is a crucial first step in Ativan addiction treatment.
During the detox phase, a benzodiazepine drug taper is prescribed under medical supervision until the person is no longer at risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. After detox, the person can then enter formalized addiction treatment where they learn how to control urges and cravings by using healthy coping strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most well-researched and commonly used therapy approaches for the treatment of Ativan addiction.
Depending on your situation and needs, seeking out a support group or additional individual counseling can provide the necessary tools to stay sober after leaving a treatment program.
Find Support For Benzodiazepine Addiction Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with an Ativan addiction, contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory to explore your many rehab options.
